Representation Issues - Conclusion

Indie music has originated from alternative rock during the 1980’s. controversial on weather indie rock deserves to be successful as the term come from rock artist’s who work with independent record labels, this is extremely important as enables them to maintain complete creative control ensuring they are true to their music. However in recent years promotional tools such as the internet, album sales, mp3 sales and word of mouth maintain their careers. However many acts have now signed onto either major or subsidiary labels which has created controversy on their title of being Indie. However this subgenre has enabled more artist to emerge. Representation of artist can be perceived in various different ways depending on the; artist, genre and most important how they want to construct them selves. The main aspects that control representation are; props, location, gender, lyrics/soundtrack/music, performance type and wardrobe styling. which is then generally constructed in to stereotypes with in genres. The typical rock image is to be edgy, individuals, who want to stand out and be unconventional, and show creativity in different ways, ironically in many wanting to perceive this different stature they tend to be more alike then different. On the other hand representation of characters in hip hop videos differ to rock videos, as it is very male dominated as they claim to have the high life with ‘money, cars and women’ which are essential conventional tools in promoting a hip hop video. This is displayed extremely well in videos such as ‘Tip drill’ by Nelly as he swipes a credit card between a women’s bottom, reflecting they can be brought and are only there to comply men’s sexual desires. Music videos are a essential tool in representing star image and power as it reinforces the artists ‘Iconography’. the artists image Is just as important to them as there music. Styling of artist are very conventional within genres as in rock conventionally; dark, gothic, black, leather boots, which contrasts to hip hop videos using baseball caps, vests, baggy clothing large jewellery and women. The mise-en-scene is crucial as lighting location and props construct a visual image of the artist. It is essential to understand this as we will need to represent the band in a way that will be able to promote them.